Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has criticized the recent petrol price increase by the NNPCL, which raised the price from ₦617 to ₦897 per litre on September 3, 2024. Spokesperson Jare Ajayi highlighted that the hike worsens Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges, undermining government initiatives like the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme. Afenifere also pointed out the NNPCL’s contradictory claims of large profits alongside significant debts, urging the organization to prioritize debt repayment. The group emphasized that rising energy costs increase living expenses, reduce disposable incomes, and exacerbate poverty. Afenifere called on the Federal Government to reverse the petrol price increase, warning that failing to do so could threaten President Bola Tinubu’s assurances to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.